Guidelines for hearing impaired patients

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providers are required to engage in "effective communication" with their hearing impaired patients. The type of accommodation for "effective communication" varies based on several factors. These include the nature of the patient’s impairment, patient’s ability to communicate as well as the complexity of the medical matter.

If "effective communication" can be achieved by means other than an interpreter, then an interpreter is not necessary. If an interpreter is required, the interpreter must be qualified meaning they are able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. It is important to note that an individual does not necessarily need to be certified in order to be a qualified interpreter. Typically the provider is responsible for the cost associated with providing "effective communication" unless the cost imposes an undue burden on the provider.